India, Tajikistan sign four agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation
17 December, New Delhi
India and Tajikistan signed four agreements Saturday in areas including on double taxation, money laundering and counter-terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon witnessed the exchange of MoUs in New Delhi following delegation level talks.
In his press statement, Modi said Tajikistan is a valued friend and strategic partner in Asia. He said that both the countries face multiple security challenges in their extended neighbourhood and have decided to strengthen cooperation in addressing the issue of terrorism and radicalism. He said it will be done at multiple levels including training and exchange of information between the security agencies of the two countries.
Modi said, they agreed to increase the scope and scale of economic engagement especially in the areas of trade and investment. The Prime Minister asserted that hydel-power, Information Technology, pharmaceuticals and health care are priority areas.
He said, India supports port and transport infrastructure development to connect it to Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Central Asian countries. He said, India will work to build trade and transit links through Chabahar port in Iran and is also engaged in facilitating the International North South Transport corridor.
In his statement, President Rahmon said Tajikistan is determined to upgrade its relations with India with emphasis on trade and investment. He also invited Indian companies in Tajikistan’s plans to build small and medium sized hydel power stations.
He said that he discussed with Mr Modi about strengthening of bilateral cooperation in areas of defence and security. He said that extremism undermines efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region and the two countries will jointly fight the issue.
Later, a joint statement issued in New Delhi, condemned terrorism saying it must be eliminated without any distinction between good and bad terrorists. The statement called for an end to sponsorship, support and provision of safe havens and sanctuaries to terrorists. Mr Modi and Mr Rahmon reaffirmed their resolve to work for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the UN General Assembly.
The two leaders called for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and national reconciliation for Afghan peace and prosperity and exploring the possibility of increasing flight operations between the two countries. They also agreed to explore ways for easier business, medical and tourist and other visas to promote people to people exchanges.
President Rahmon reiterated his country’s support to India’s candidature for permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council.